Mr Grandin said he had thought about running at the last election and his attempts to run in 2016 stalled until God intervened.

"Initially I wanted to run and I got sick. I had a bad leg and lung problems and I was under tremendous stress and so I thought blow this, I'm not running. I gave up the idea," he said.

"One morning I believe God spoke to me. He said Trevor, the time wasn't right before because I made you sick. He said I've given your health back and he said I want you to run.

Trevor Grandin is a candidate for the division 5 council elections. Photo: Rob Williams / The Queensland TimesRob Williams

"And that is why I am running.

"A call from God. My life is built around that.

"It is just a feeling. I was just standing there and I didn't hear anything, but I felt he was talking to me and I felt a great desire to go for it and he is helping me to do it.

"Why me? Because I have the qualifications to do it. I have the desire to do it. I have the feeling for the community to do it. I've got the community at heart. I'm a truthful man. I speak what is on my mind."

The sign on Mr Grandin's door says "Bloke Heaven". It doesn't refer to his split from his wife but to his work as a volunteer with the Whitehill Church of Christ at Raceview.

"I'm a heavenly bloke," he said.

His ambitions do not stop at Ipswich City Council. Mr Grandin said he would not run for a second term in Division 5 in 2020 at age 72, but would turn to state politics.

"I'm going to align myself with the Liberal Party and try to get pre-selection.

"And then I'm on to Federal.

"And I'm also looking further ahead. When we become a Republic I will stand for President of Australia."

He has signed up to do Taekwondo at the PCYC, organised his calling cards with the printer, and despite a front-end prang on his mobility scooter, is organising with insurance to get back on the road and hit the hustings.

"I believe I have the stamina. I do not believe there is a young person who can do the job properly, not like I can anyway."

The latest candidates for the 2016 Ipswich council elections.Centro Art